Dragons of the Book of Mormon by Johnny Townsend

In his new collection of short stories, Dragons of the Book of Mormon, Johnny Townsend introduces compelling, sympathetic, and at times, hilarious characters struggling to live simultaneously within the rigid structure of Mormonism, the real world, and, in some cases, the magical world inspired by Mormon doctrine.

In “Going Home,” 56-year-old Jared, whose daily highlight is adding Splenda to his Frosted Mini-Wheats, longs for an end to his life on this earth and the beginning of his promised celestial glory. In the title story, “Dragons of the Book of Mormon,” a curious young LDS woman mounts an impossible quest to gain access to a General Authority.

Henry, from the gem, “Bumper Sticker Theology,” is a homophobe forced to attend his boss’s gay wedding. Determined to make his opinion known, he explains:

“You had to be firm with gays. They thought they deserved the world. You had to teach them their place. Otherwise, it was like letting Lance Armstrong get away with doping.”

In “Half Marathon Man,” the uber-believing Sandor entertains erotic fantasies at the dentist’s office, where the sexy, non-Mormon hygienist knows just how to work on his mouth. “Getting Zeppoli from Derek,” perhaps my favorite in the collection, is about a single woman who comes to realize that the priesthood isn’t necessarily inspired on her behalf.

And then there are the delightful flights of Mormon-themed fantasy that Townsend excels at creating. “Temple Man,” about a superhero who runs around saving the day in his temple clothes; “How We Won Back Salt Lake,” about the devout LDS family who survives the zombie apocalypse on their food storage; and “Looking for Nephi,” that places the Three Nephites in Pasadena—a scenario so amusing it will prompt this reader to have her eye out for the beloved trio the next time she cruises down Colorado Boulevard.

Dragons of the Book of Mormon is yet another excellent offering from the prolific and talented writer, Johnny Townsend.

Purchase it here!